At 10:30 yesterday, on the morning of his 20th birthday, Rhys Jones reached the top of Everest and claimed the record as the youngest person ever to climb the seven highest summits on seven continents. Rhys was supported by INEOS, the world’s third largest chemicals company, in his challenge to break the world record.
"What a way to celebrate your 20th Birthday," said Jim Ratcliffe, Chaiman INEOS. "We are all delighted that Rhys has broken the world record and pleased to know in some small way INEOS helped to make the dream a reality. Since meeting Rhys I have been extremely impressed by his total commitment, clarity of vision and will to succeed; values that we share across INEOS."
This is an incredible achievement that shows anything is possible when you are young and focused."
Rhys already holds two mountaineering records. At the age of 17 he became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mt. McKinley in North America, two years later he became the youngest person to climb Mount Vinson in Antarctica. His list of conquests also includes the highest mountains in Africa, South America, Europe and Australasia.
"This is a dream come true and we are very proud," said Alan Jones, Rhys' father. "Rhys has a total belief in himself and the team he climbed with. He knew that given the right weather he had a good chance to make the summit.
"Without INEOS it would have been incredibly difficult for us to have made this expedition a reality. We are very grateful for the ongoing support and interest as we concentrate now on Rhys’ safe return to base camp."
INEOS currently has 18 businesses across 68 manufacturing sites manufacturing a broad range of products from plastics and polymers to medical propellants. Formed by Jim Ratcliffe in 1998, INEOS currently employs around 15,600 people. The Company head office is based in Lyndhurst, which is close to Rhys’ home town, Bartley.
For further information contact:
Contact: Richard Longden
Phone: 02380 287067
Contact: Alan Jones
Phone: 02380 811595/ 07717 810773
Note to editors:
- On March 25th, nineteen years old mountaineer Rhys Jones, of Bartley, left the UK for Himalayas to climb Mount Everest as the final stage of a world record attempt to become the youngest person to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, reaching the top of the highest mountain on every continent.
- Before leaving for Everest Rhys said: “I am extremely grateful to INEOS for its support on this expedition. I am looking forward to flying the INEOS flag on Everest because of its links with Hampshire and the New Forest. Having the backing of this world leading company makes the final leg of this record attempt possible. As INEOS is a local company, based in Lyndhurst, making it all the sweeter if I can bring home the World record”.
- Rhys Jones, started climbing at 14yrs. He has climbed on every continent and experienced everything from a Scottish winter to an Antarctic deep freeze. He has recorded temperature of below minus 35°C inside his tent and -110°C outside.
- Rhys has set up his own company, Youth Unlimited, a not for profit organisation that aims to inspire and motivate other teenagers to set and achieve personal goals.
- INEOS is a rapidly growing manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality and intermediate chemicals and polymers. The company was formed by a management buy out of the former BP petrochemicals asset in Antwerp, which was led by Jim Ratcliffe, now its Chairman. The company has subsequently grown through a series of successful acquisitions and continues to build on businesses that have good people and assets, supported by strong market positions and a potential for further growth.